Cards' Schumaker tries to convert to 2B

JUPITER, Fla. -- Cardinals outfielder Skip Schumaker worked to transition to the infield, while pitcher Chris Carpenter practiced to get back to the mound at the Roger Dean Stadium complex Friday.

Skip Schumaker is trying to convert from the outfield to second base, a spot several players are seeking in an intriguing position battle. Schumaker worked with first baseman Chris Duncan and infield coach Jose Oquendo for about an hour in the morning, focusing primarily on footwork.

"If the guy is willing to work his butt off and concentrate on fundamentals, don't be surprised if he becomes anywhere from a respectable to a good defender," Cardinals Manager Tony La Russa said.

"Schu works as hard as anybody in our camp. He's as tough as anybody in our camp. So you add all that stuff up; it's worth looking to see. And it creates the competition you like."

An outfielder in 2008, his first full season in the majors, Schumaker joins Brendan Ryan, Brian Barden, Jarrett Hoffpauir and non-roster invitee Joe Thurston in the battle for the Cardinals' second-base spot.

Aaron Miles and Adam Kennedy shared time at second base in 2008, but neither is with the Cardinals this spring. Miles signed with the Chicago Cubs in the offseason. The Cardinals released Kennedy earlier this week.

Even if Schumaker is unsuccessful in his attempt to convert to the infield, look for him to remain at the top of the Cardinals' lineup when they break camp. Schumaker's .302 average tied for 10th best in the National League last season.

"I can tell Skip Schumaker that he can buy a house in St. Louis if he wants to," La Russa said. "For this year, he is going to be on this team."

Prior to checking on Schumaker, La Russa spent a few minutes watching Chris Carpenter on the mound. Carpenter, the 2005 Cy Young Award winner, threw 40 pitches before receiving a hug from La Russa.

Carpenter has pitched in just five major league games since the end of the 2006 season and is working his way back from shoulder and elbow issues. In early November he underwent surgery to transpose the ulnar nerve in his pitching elbow.

"That's the second time he's been off the mound," pitching coach Dave Duncan said. "Both times he's thrown good and he's feeling real good. It's very encouraging."

Pitchers and catchers officially report for their physicals and first workouts on Saturday. Position players don't need to arrive until Tuesday.